Gallbladder Cryoablation Device with Compliant Wire
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gallbladder cryoablation procedures are invasive, require skilled surgeons, and often fail to effectively treat cholecystitis due to difficulties in targeting the gallbladder and cystic duct without damaging surrounding tissues, especially when gallstones are present.
Innovation Solution
A gallbladder cryoablation device with a compliant thermal conductive wire and elongated body that can be inserted into the gallbladder to freeze the gallbladder and cystic duct without damaging surrounding anatomical structures, using a cryoablation fluid and gas management system to ensure precise freezing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing gallbladder cryoablation devices are used, then the procedure can be performed, but it requires highly skilled surgeons and a relatively long time to complete
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the cryoablation function into multiple independent cryoablation elements (first cryoablation element and second cryoablation element) that can simultaneously freeze different portions of the gallbladder, reducing procedure time and allowing less skilled surgeons to achieve complete ablation more easily
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges multiple functions into a single integrated system: the elongated body provides both insertion capability and houses multiple cryoablation elements, while the balloon provides both positioning and expansion functions to ensure complete gallbladder contact
2Reliability
If existing gallbladder cryoablation devices are used, then cryoablation can be performed, but portions of the gallbladder may be missed due to gallstones, rendering the procedure a failure
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a dynamic balloon that can be inflated to expand and adapt to the gallbladder's internal geometry, ensuring that cryoablation elements maintain contact with the gallbladder wall even in the presence of gallstones, thereby eliminating blind spots and ensuring complete treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon acts as a flexible shell that conforms to the gallbladder's irregular shape and accommodates gallstones, allowing the cryoablation elements to maintain continuous contact with the gallbladder wall throughout the procedure, ensuring complete coverage
3Ease of operation
If existing gallbladder cryoablation devices are used, then the procedure can be performed, but surrounding anatomical structures or tissues may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies cryoablation locally and selectively to the gallbladder wall through the balloon-cryoablation element interface, while the duodenum is protected by the balloon barrier and thermal insulation, allowing precise targeting without damaging surrounding structures
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon acts as an intermediary barrier between the cryoablation elements and the duodenum, physically separating the freezing action from surrounding tissues and preventing collateral damage while still allowing effective treatment of the gallbladder
4Measurement precision
If a compliant thermal conductive wire is used, then targeted freezing can be achieved, but the wire needs to contact a sufficient portion of the inner wall
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant thermal conductive wire is designed to dynamically adapt its shape and position as the balloon inflates, automatically conforming to the gallbladder wall surface and ensuring sufficient contact area without requiring precise manual positioning by the surgeon
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides a minimally invasive method for curing cholecystitis by ensuring targeted freezing of the gallbladder and cystic duct, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues and improving treatment efficacy for patients with underlying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
cooling the compliant thermal conductive wire to a freezing temperature resulting in the gallbladder becoming frozen from the contact of the sufficient portion of the compliant thermal conductive wire to the inner wall of the gallbladder
Implementation Method 2
an air duct configured to evacuate cryoablation gas formed at the vaporization area
Data Source
AI summary
A gallbladder cryoablation device can include an elongated body and a compliant thermal conductive wire. The elongated body includes a sharp distal end for insertion into a gallbladder, a liquid duct configured to insert a cryoablation fluid into the gallbladder, and an air duct configured to evacuate any gas displaced by the cryoablation fluid. The compliant thermal conductive wire is configured to expand from the elongated body and contact an inner wall of the gallbladder. A method of using the gallbladder cryoablation device includes inserting the elongated body, via the sharp distal end of the elongated body, into the gallbladder; positioning the compliant thermal conductive wire into the gallbladder until a sufficient portion of the compliant thermal conductive wire contacts the inner wall of the gallbladder; directing the cryoablation fluid into the cryoablation device; and cooling the compliant thermal conductive wire to a freezing temperature.